A project exploring the potential for using hydrogen to heat homes is underway.

The £25 million Hydrogen for Heat Programme, commissioned by BEIS, will look at the feasibility of converting a small village or estate to replace natural gas with hydrogen for cooking and heating.

Arup and Kiwa Gastec are working on the project, which aims to explore the practicalities of using the zero carbon gas in homes and will facilitate the design and manufacture of new appliances such as fires, cookers and boilers, for both domestic and commercial use.

Hydrogen fuel produces only water and heat when burnt so a move away from natural gas is expected to have a significant impact on reducing the UK’s carbon footprint.

Climate Change Minister Claire Perry said: “Our Clean Growth Strategy sets out how we intend to reduce carbon emissions from homes across the country.

“The £25 million Hydrogen for Heat Programme will provide important evidence on how we might convert heating and cooking systems to hydrogen, explore the feasibility of the transition from natural gas and crucially, the opinions of the people who could be using this zero carbon fuel.”